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Texas Department of Insurance
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Preventing fatal falls in the workplace

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Falls can occur in any workplace industry or setting – industrial, construction or office. Any walking/working surface in the workplace could be a potential fall hazard. According to the 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 67 work-related fatalities resulted from falls (the third leading cause of fatalities). Forty-three percent of the falls occurred in the construction industry.

Employers should use appropriate controls such as personal protective equipment, fall arrest systems, ladders, scaffolds, safe lifting techniques, and housekeeping to prevent falls in the workplace. They should train all employees who may be exposed to fall hazards on how to recognize such hazards, and how to minimize their exposure to them.

What's new

Changes to OSHA’s General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards

OSHA Focuses on Protecting Communication Tower Workers

DWC resources

Other resources

For more information, contact: HealthSafety@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 5/23/2023